MEMBERS of the Phoenix Theatre Company in Bordon have been using the power of drama to help groups tackle tough social problems. In the past week, the group has performed two new plays highlighting domestic violence and drug abuse. A Helping Hand - written by Susanna Gosney and performed by actors Laura Dymock, Cindy Graves and Elsa Donovan - was put on for the North East Hampshire Domestic Violence Forum last Thursday, March 15. The hard-hitting production took place at the offices of Rushmoor Borough Council in front of an audience of about 60 professionals gathered for a training conference. The company of actors introduced another new play last Friday, focusing on drug abuse, for the Hampshire Substance Misuse and Alcohol Unit and the Children's Society, at a conference at Crosfields Hall in Romsey. Hidden Harm - written by and starring Susanna Gosney, along with actress Claire Devall - explored the effects on children of living with a parent who was a drug addict or alcoholic with mental health problems. The company's existing play on domestic violence and the effect on the family, Talking Together, was performed again for the East Hampshire Domestic Violence Forum at Alton Maltings last Wednesday. Phoenix director Jane Dawes said: "Most of our work this month is for staff training purposes and raising awareness of key issues. "By using drama, we are offering a powerful tool to convey certain points in a memorable way. It is incredibly effective. We usually follow our plays with workshops or discussion groups to re-enforce the issues. "Similar projects are available for young people in schools, colleges and youth organisations." For more information, contact Jane Dawes at the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre on 01420 472664 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]. n The Phoenix Theatre has been chosen as one of the venues for a drama company's 25th anniversary national tour. Proteus Theatre, based in Basingstoke, is taking a new version of its first production, The Elephant Man, around the country. The play centres on the life of John Merrick, whose three-foot wide head of solid bone, caused by a genetic defect, made him a freak-show celebrity of his time. The Elephant Man (suitable for ages 12 and above) will be performed at the Phoenix Theatre in Station Road, on Friday, March 30, at 7-30 pm. For tickets, contact the box office on 01420 472664 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected].
